Arsenal's Russian attacking midfielder Andrei Arshavin feels that letting Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri leave the club was a "catastrophe," and the signing of a holding midfielder such as Rennes Yann M'Vila would have benefited the club, however, he welcomes the "different football" that will be played thanks to the arrival of Everton's Spaniard, Mikel Arteta.
It is the general consensus among Arsenal fans and players that letting go of their two best midfielder's was an unfortunate disaster for the progression of the side, and of course Arsenal will be affected negatively by their absence. Arshavin spoke to Nicklas Bendtner about the issue, to which the Danish striker apparently replied; "Yes, the only player who could properly replace Cesc is probably Xavi."
Arshavin was speaking to a Russian newspaper following the closure of a summer transfer window in which Arsenal were unusually busy very late on.
"At the moment, losing Fabregas and Nasri is a catastrophe. Watching the Udinese match I said to [Nicklas] Bendtner that now we have no-one so comfortable with passing the ball to Robin van Persie or who ideally utilises the qualities of the other forwards.
"He smiled and replied, 'Yes, the only player who could properly replace Cesc is probably Xavi'.' I'm very glad that I was able to play in the same team as Fabregas - he is a truly class footballer."
"When people say no-one is irreplaceable I don't agree. With [Mikel] Arteta or whoever replaces those who have left, we will play different football, not as we played with Cesc and Samir."
Arshavin doesn't think the two midfield signing's are bad ones by any means, and said their experience in the Premier League will prove important throughout the season, however further strengthening would be useful - perhaps in January.
He even revealed that the club had been working on bringing Rennes defensive midfielder, Yann M'Vila - a player very highly rated on this website - to Arsenal, but unfortunately the deal could not be completed in time.
"Arteta and Benayoun have long proved themselves in the Premier League, they're not bad signings. And we needed strengthening in those positions."
"Perhaps another holding midfielder wouldn't hurt and, as far as I know, we were trying till the last minute to get [Rennes midfielder Yann] M'Vila, but unfortunately we weren't able to buy him."
"Judging by the quantity and quality of our signings, Arsenal's football will soon undergo some changes."
If Arsenal are to undergo positive "changes," they will need Arshavin to step up and improve on his rather ineffectual performances which he has been putting in recently. Last season his assist rate was very good, with 17 assists in all competitions, and 10 goals. More of the same from him, or even an improvement in those numbers will be greatly appreciated by Arsene Wenger and the Arsenal fans to go at least some way in compensating for the loss of two hugely influential figures in the squad.
